Of course, the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn't break out in the first place. That means you should always be aware of potential hazards in your home. Start by keeping these tips in mind:

Are your electrical appliances in good condition, without loose or frayed cords or plugs?

Are your outlets overloaded with plugs from the TV, computer, printer, video game system, and stereo?

Are you overusing an extension cord?

Do the light fixtures in your home contain bulbs that are the correct wattage?

Fire Permits

Fire permits are required for open air burning from April 1 to October 31. Permits are valid for 10 days at a cost of $10.00 or for 30 days for $30.00. They can be obtained at the municipal office during business hours.

Fire permits are only valid if these regulations are followed:

The purpose of the fire is:

Incineration

Burning brush

Land clearing

Campfire

Other

The wind must be less than 20km/h.

All land clearing material shall be in piles separated by a safe distance.

The permit is not valid from 2 hours after sunrise to 2 hours before sunset.

Open Air Burning Permits are required before setting any open fire. Effective April every year, day-time burning restrictions come into effect. Permits are available at the Municipal Office, 250 Clark Street, North.

The Ontario Fire Code (Part 2 Section 2.6, Article 2.6.3.4) states that “”open air burning shall not be permitted unless approved or unless such burning consists of a small, confined fire, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill or barbeque”". The burning of any material in the open air within the Municipality of Powassan is governed by By-law 2013-40, approved by Council on January 22, 2013.

By-law 2013-40 applies to the setting and control of fires in the open air on all lands within the geographical limits of the Municipality of Powassan. A fire wholly contained within a permanent or portable barbeque used for the preparation of food for human consumption is not considered as an Open Air Fire under this By-law.

Before setting, or permitting the setting of, an Open Air Fire, the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be set must obtain a Fire Permit from the Municipal Office during regular business hours.

Specific Restrictions:

Fire Season Period: Open Air fires shall only be permitted to burn during the fire season during the period beginning 2 hours before sunset and ending 2 hours after sunrise. The fire season in Powassan beings on the first day of April and ends on the last day of October each year.

Fires in Public Places: Open Air fires are not permitted in any highway, park, walkway, public land or on any Municipally-owned lands without written permission from the Fire Chief or his/her designated official.

Fires on Non-owned Lands: No person shall set or allow a fire to burn on any land he or she is not the registered owner of without the written permission of the registered owner.

Restricted Fire Zones: No person shall start, permit or allow the burning of any fire during or within a Restricted Fire zone.

Forbidden Materials: The burning of industrial waste, agricultural waste, domestic waste, petroleum products, rubber, painted (or treated) lumber, mixed demolition debris, any material that will cause excessive smoke or harmful fumes, as well as any other material identified in regulations contained in the Environmental Protection Act will not be permitted and is forbidden.

Fire Extinguishing Costs:

If the Powassan Fire and Emergency Services Department is called to respond to a fire either set or permitted to burn in violation of the By-law, the person who set the fire or allowed it to burn, as well as the owner of the land on which the fire occurred if he/she allowed the fire to be set or permitted the fire to burn, shall pay all costs incurred by the Powassan Fire and Emergency Services Department to extinguish the fire. Costs included are those for all personnel, equipment and apparatus dispatched and used to extinguish the fire.

For an uncontrolled fire, costs will be applied at the rate of $175.00 per half hour (thirty minutes) for each fire fighting apparatus accompanied with four (4) personnel; or crews of eight (8) personnel. Time will be charged from the receipt of the alarm through to the time all responding personnel leave the location of the fire and return to their respective stations.

If the costs of extinguishing an unauthorized open air fire are not paid, as outlined above, in addition to any other remedies the Municipality may have, the costs shall be recovered in the same manner as municipal property taxes in accordance with Section 398(2)2 of the Municipal Act S.O. 2001, c.25 against the owner of the land, if the owner set the fire, allowed the fire to burn or permitted the fire to be set or to burn, in violation of this By-law or any permit issued under this By-law.

Install Smoke Alarms, It’s The LAW

As of March 1, 2006, the new smoke alarm legislation came into effect which states that every home in Ontario is required to have operating smoke alarms on each level, this includes the basement. This is an addition to the existing legislation which requires smoke alarms outside of all sleeping areas.

Whether owned or rented, all homes must be in accordance with the new smoke alarm legislation. Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations

There are numerous potential sources of carbon monoxide in your home. Furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, space heaters, ranges, ovens, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills and automobiles all produce carbon monoxide. When not properly monitored each of these items could become a lethal weapon.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in North America. Exposure to high concentrations can cause death in just a few minutes. Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “”Silent Killer”" because it is colourless, odorless and tasteless, making it almost impossible to detect. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be very vague, and often involve many of the body’s systems. But immediate diagnosis is critical.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

With Low Concentrations:

o Shortage of breath on moderate exertion

o Slight headache

o Nausea

o Running Nose

o Sore Eyes

o Dizziness

With Higher Concentrations:

o Severe headache

o Mental confusion

o Dizziness

o Vomiting

o Impairment of vision and hearing

o Collapse or fainting on exertion

With Extreme Concentrations:

o Unconsciousness

o Brain Damage

o Coma

o Death

First Aid:

Seek medical attention immediately if anyone shows symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as a severe headache, confusion, dizziness and nausea. Take the exposed person into the fresh air as quickly as possible. Should the affected person stop breathing, begin administering artificial respiration, and administer oxygen if available.

If you find yourself in a situation where you must rescue a person from a contaminated area, you will need an airline respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus. Before deciding to enter a contaminated area ensure that you are part of a rescue team. This means that there must be at least two people involved in any rescue attempts; one person will act as the rescuer and the second person will be the observer. The “”rescuer”" must always be connected to a lifeline and harness, should the rescuer pass out the observer will be able to pull them out of the contaminated area.

Preventative Measures:

Although it is not the law, use the following tips, from, to help protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide:

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. For best results, install detectors near sleeping areas and all fuel-burning appliances. Detectors should never be installed inside or directly outside a bathroom, as high humidity levels can set off the sensors.

Make sure all fuel-burning appliances, systems and chimneys are properly ventilated and are serviced once per year by a qualified service technician or heating contractor.

Clean and inspect chimneys and flues once per year to ensure adequate ventilation. Animals, bird nests, snow, ice and other debris can block harmful gases from escaping your chimney.

If your carbon monoxide detector is set off and someone experiences headaches, dizziness or nausea, call 9-1-1 and move everyone outside of the house or building. Do not re-enter until your home is completely aired out and the problem has been corrected.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

There are three basic types of carbon monoxide sensors metal oxide, biomimetic and electrochemical; these sensors are what allows carbon monoxide detectors to work. Please be aware that while there may be performance differences between three types detectors, they have all been tested and approved for use. The cost of a detector will generally relate to the number of features included in the model and its warranty conditions.

There are performance differences between the three types of detector. However, as a result of changes made to the carbon monoxide standards, all detectors regardless of type, must undergo extensive testing. All detectors sold in Canada are certified to operate under different environments (various chemical exposures, different relative humidities, etc.) satisfactorily if they meet the standards.For more information on carbon monoxide and where it comes from, visit some of the websites listed below:

The Municipality of Powassan has an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in place. Developed by the Municipality’s Community Emergency Management Program Committee (CEMPC), this Plan provides key officials, departments and agencies with important emergency response information – such as the assignment of roles and responsibilities during an emergency – to ensure responses to community emergencies are well coordinated.

It is important that residents, businesses and interested visitors be aware of the Plan’s provisions. Copies of Powassan's ERP may also be viewed at the Municipal Office.

Prepare your Survival Kit:

In the event of an emergency, every person(s) should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for up to three days. Make sure you prepare and maintain your Emergency Survival Kit with at least the following:

Vulnerable Occupancy

Vulnerable Persons Data Base is available and serves east and west Parry Sound through Victim Services. The database is a centralized secure electronic database listing vulnerable persons.

Its purpose is to provide timely and appropriate assistance to vulnerable persons when there is a reason to suspect they may be at risk. The database ensures that a broad range of organizations can be mobilized quickly to protect vulnerable individuals such as those with physical development, mental illness, senior citizens and individuals with communication difficulties.

Anyone who sees themselves or a loved one as vulnerable in an emergency situation may register with no costs involved; call 705-746-0508 to register.